Month: April 2008

That’s the headline that I’m starting to see. A player who has been touted as the replacement for Matheiu Flamini…

Kamel Fathi Ghilas is his full name and he was born on March 9, 1984 in Marseille, France. He’s an Algerian football player of who’s currently playing for Vitória Guimarães. Previously played for Cannes…

In the 2006-07 season he helped Vitória S.C. move to the top flight portuguese league after they finished second in the Liga de Honra, as Ghilas was voted one of the best players of the season.

Arsene Happy for Ade

Well, as touched upon briefly yesterday and the day before, congratulations to Ade for his 30 goals. 30 goals that no one thought he could reach, not even Arsene.

“I didn’t think Adebayor would reach 30 goals this season, I thought he would get 15.”

“In this team you can score goals when you play up front because we always go forward and you get good service. But, I feel there is more in his locker than what he is doing at the moment. You cannot ask a striker to score 50 goals but if he repeats this amount every year, that is a mark of class.”

Arsene calls for consistency in Ade’s performances. We’d all like the big man to do what Thierry did and get 30 goals a season, so let’s hope he starts next season where he left off.

Bafetimbi Gomis to Newcastle?

Talking about strikers, we’ve been linked once again with St Etienne’s Bafetimbi Gomis, a highly rated young French striker. Arsene has sent scouts to watch him and many people saw him playing in North London in the next year or two… but it looks like Newcastle have stolen a march on us. Apparently, they’ve offered £14 million for the player, who Arsene rates as a £6-7m player.

Four Points Away

I spoke yesterday about how close we were to the title this season and if only we had won at Birmingham, if only Eduardo hadn’t been injured… if only… but’s it’s true. Today we sit on 77 points, remember we won the league with 78 before. But we’re four points off the top, and Arsene is seething…

“I feel we were one game away in this championship. If we win at Old Trafford, we are champions. It’s just one game, and in that game we were 1-0 up and we had two or three chances to score the second goal, so you cannot say we had a bad season. We have 77 points and we have won championships with 78.”

He’s got a point, but finishing second or third is better than everyone thought we’d finish and considering our selling and buying during the summer and the youth policy, it’s a testomony to our players and manager that we’ve been challenging this season…

It’s going to be tough next season, I expect Chelsea, United and Liverpool to invest more into the transfer market. As the press suggests, Chelsea may have a mini-overhaul. Interestingly, Sp*rs have snapped up Modric and opened negiotations for David Villa, as I said, it’s going to be tough…

But let’s think positive… a fully fit Arsenal squad is definitely a team to be reckoned with and with Carlos Vela returning and a few additions, we could have one of the strongest teams in the last few years next season…]]>

Nikolay is a left winger and can play on the right too if required. His fee is £700k but may rise to £1.1 million depending on appearances.

I've heard this from 7 different sources, and the details were supposed published in Bulgaria's newspaper, "The Sofia Echo" yesterday, but I can't find the story on their website. All their site seems to do is talk about Berbatov and Barcelona?!?!

Nikolay had previously had a two week trial under Arsene’s supervision, and impressed. We were close to signing him then, but looks like we have sewn up the deal before the summer.

The kid said (translated):

“Its so exciting. The coaching staff are very kind and Arsenal are a very good team with good young player. I hope to lead Arsenal to as much silverware as possible.”

In February this year, Nikolay had made his debut for Bulgaria’s first team and made quite an impression…

“We tried to play well, we had a game based on movement, technique and combination and we nearly respected that 95 per cent of the game, not 100, but there is still room for improvement there. In the second half when Derby were tiring we could have scored more goals.”

It’s been a topsy turvy season this season and many people say we cracked under pressure. It was clear to see that we played without any pressure yesterday. I don’t particularly agree with the pressure thing. Our bad patch started with the loss of Eduardo and continued with the loss of Sagna. Arsene can see a new found freedom in our play:

“We started well and maybe when we came under pressure in March you could see that we did not have the experience to deal with that and I feel we have learned a lot. Now that the pressure is gone we are back to our real level and I feel our real level is better than at the start of the season.”

One thing is clear is that our real level is phenominal. Our play against Derby was amazing, but so was our play against Man United, Chelsea and Liverpool. It’s clear to see we need to tighten up. If we can add 3 players to the pool and replace the ones are leaving, be it my promotion from the youth ranks, loan returns or new signings, we’ll be in a better position next year. A slightly bigger squad should give us time to rotate and rest when necessary.

With the number of games reducing, Ade and Cesc look a little bit more refreshed then when we were playing 2-3 games per week. Both are looking forward to next season…

Ade said (in about 20 seconds, damn that guy speaks fast):

“I am praying for a miracle now, but miracles do happen. We have put pressure on the top two and it is not too late for something amazing to happen. Obviously we have to hope that Chelsea and United make mistakes at the weekend, but I can promise we will not make any. We showed with our win (over Derby) we have character because it might have been easy just to look at the table and give up on trying to be champions, but that is not who we are. What was also important is that we sent out a message to our rivals that despite all the disappointments we have had in the past couple of months we are sticking together and showing that we are getting better and better. This season we may end up with nothing, but it will not look the same this time next year.”

Mathematically, we’re still in it, but let’s win our next two games and finish as close to the top as possible.

And whilst we’re speculating, what is going on with Alexander Hleb. His agent has come out and said that all the big teams are interested and after Hlebgate / ice-cream rendevous, you’ve got to believe there is no smoke without fire…. Hleb recently spoke on his future.

“Who knows what will happen? All I can say is that I enjoy the game here and enjoy playing for Arsenal. There is more to come from this team and from me.”

It’s a positive statment… doesn’t sound like a player who is about to buy their contract out… so possible good news.

Looking out of the window, it’s a miserable day today but lucky me, I’m off to Barcelona on Thursday evening… but don’t worry my buddy JAT will be blogging for me on Friday & Saturday and he knows his stuff…

30 Goals For The Big Man

A great game saw Ade score 30 goals in all competitions this season… let me take you back to a certain conversation young Ade and legend Thierry had all that time ago… when Thierry suggested Ade could score 30 goals… Ade said no… but Thierry had the belief…

“No, you don’t believe in yourself. With your quality, what I’ve seen in training with you this year, you can even beat the record.” I was like “Thierry, don’t tell me that.” He gave me his Spain number and he is always sending me texts, when I score, I know when I scored my 7th, he said, you can score more than 30. And when I scored by 22nd, he said “see only 8 more to go.”

Congratulations to Ade for his performances this season and scoring 30 goals is no mean feat… Ade’s hair is starting to grow back, but surely this has nothing to do with his goals today…

Derby 2 – 6 Arsenal

The home side started well in a game which saw already relegated Arsenal take on almost guaranteed 3rd spot Arsenal. It was a game in which many people predicted goals and it duly delivered.

Early chances fell to Derby, with Emanuel Villa failing to connect with an Mears cross, which saw Fabianski – starting his first Premiership game – punch the ball clear. Moments later a good burst from Sterjovski saw a shot from about 20 yards take a deflection from Alex Song and just wide.

However, the early pressure self combusted and Darren Moore dangerously played the ball square which Bendtner. A poorish ball from Bendtner to VP meant that VP was unable to shoot, so setup the Dane. A good finish saw Arsenal go one nil up with our first shot of the game.

Derby 0 – 1 Arsenal

The next chance came to Van Persie who interlinking play was very good and something we missed for
large parts of the season. Talking about missing… Van Persie blazed his shot over the bar. It was to be one of many chances for VP.

Moments after this, Robbie Savage swing in a decent cross and a bit of indecision in the box saw McEveley challenge and then prod in from four yards.

Derby 1 – 1 Arsenal

The goal for Derby signalled their intent of “going down with pride”, but we wanted the game and good play saw VP have another chance, but again failed to convert. It wasn’t long until VP got his goal. A sublime chip by Kolo Toure and an excellent run and chest from Van Persie before his dispatched a fierce shot from 8 yards out. Advantage restored.

Derby 1 – 2 Arsenal

Van Persie seems to get injured when he scores, cite Arsenal vs United at the Emirates last season and after his goal, he pulled up with a thigh strain.

Half time: Derby 1 – 2 Arsenal

Adebayor replaced Van Persie at the break and the second half started with Arsenal looking to take advantage of poor defending from Derby. Kolo Toure had played like a man with a purpose in his new right back role and he had his chances. Two in quick sucession, both high over the bar, but Cesc’s influence in the build up player was a sign of why he was voted PFA Young Player of the Year earlier.

Chances fell to Bendtner and Ade soon after, but it wasn’t long until Ade goal his first of three.

A good run from Theo Walcott ont he right who again played well and a miss hit from Eboue set up Ade at the far post who duly tucked the ball in the net on the net passed the stranded Carroll.

Derby 1 – 3 Arsenal

The chances came thick and fast and at one point, it became embarassing that we hadn’t scored more. Walcott with a glaring miss after Bendtner had played an awesome through ball. Young Theo elected to take it early with an Henryesque curler on the floor, but the ball rolled just wide.

Alex Song is definitely a talent, but also defnitely a play who has to learn a bit more. He often found himself attracted to the ball and out of position and on the 77th minute, Robert Earnshaw punished him and ran through on goal to slot past Fabianski.

Derby 2 – 3 Arsenal

Could this be the start of a Derby comeback? Not as far as Theo was concerned. Good play from the left side saw Theo on the left, as he ran in the box. Seemingly covered by two defenders, he found about 3 inches of space and dispatched the ball into the top right hand side with venom to restore the 2 goal advantage.

Derby 2 – 4 Arsenal

But the team wasn’t finished there and with the majority of Arsenal’s goals coming in the last ten minutes, moments later, Clichy ran through a tired Derby defence and squared for Ade who made it 5 for the Gunners and scored his 29th of the season

Derby 2 – 5 Arsenal

But Ade had chances to get another and in injury time he did just that. A good pass from Eboue saw Ade
through on goal, who rolled the ball past the advancing Carroll and slid it into an empty net from an acute angle.

Derby 2 – 6 Arsenal

An excellent performance and thoroughly deserved. It was a game in which we had chances and the score didn’t flatter us at all.

Full time: Derby 2 – 6 Arsenal

An 8 goal thriller and a performance to go with it. Promising signs for next season and Arsene had a wry smile.

PFA Young Player of the Year

And the award for the PFA Young Player of the Year goes to, none other than our very own… Cesc Fabregas…
It’s been a year where we’ve fought hard as a team and played well together, and Cesc has stood out for a number of reasons:

1. His energy

2. His passing range

3. His tackling

4. His positional skills

5. His early season goals

6. His impact on the team

Without doubt, he’s grown as a player this season and this accolade is recognition of an excellent season.

Cescy spoke on his award:

“I am very proud because it is always satisfying for yourself, but all the team worked really hard this season and it’s been disappointing at the end.”

“But at least someone can get something.

“But this is for all the team, and all the fans, because all together we have had good season even though we haven’t won anything at the end.

“This is thanks to them as well.”

PFA Team of the Year

The PFA team of the year featured no less than 4 Arsenal players. When you consider that the team had only one Liverpool player, no Chelsea players and three United players, it’s quite an accolade for this young team.

Flamini Decision Looming

It’s crunch time for Matty Flamini and Arsene had given him a deadline of the end of April to sign or not sign. That deadline is Wednesday… It’s critical that Arsene and Arsenal know whether he wants to stay or not, so they can plan the summer transfer activity. Remember, this summer is Euro 2008 and it’s wise to get players before the tournament on a budget or after when they’ve proven themselves. Either way, if Flamini leaves, Arsene got to act quickly to replace him…

Arsene said last week:

“The deadline is next week, the end of April.” said Wenger on Friday. “I said it would be the end of April and that will be it. I believe he wants to stay and we want him to stay. We have made him an offer, if it’s not good enough we will know soon.

“I respect our wages structure. We do not play – a little bit more, a little bit more. We have made an offer. We think it is decent and that is it.”

2 and a half days to go Matty… what’s it going to be?

Henry Would Come Back to Arsenal

But of course, that’s if Barcelona don’t want him… You may have read some of those headlines, but after just one season at the Nou Camp, you can’t really the Frenchman moving again. It had allied fears that both Liverpool and Chelsea were interested in bringing him back to the premiership.

Arsene spoke on this and confirmed that he’s not really thought about it, but you can never say never with Henry.

“I read the statement, he said he is happy at Barcelona but if he comes back he will only play at Arsenal. I find that a really very good statement.

“But although you can never say never, at the moment I do not think about [re-signing him].

“However I still think he has a lot to offer as a player. The whole team in Barcelona has not worked completely this year, they were never in the race for the championship. Every player has been a bit devalued. But I still think he has a lot there.”

Okay, Team News, Line Ups, Predictions, Derby vs Arsenal Preview

It feels like an age ago that we last played. A game that I had the privilege of attending and it was an awesome atmosphere. We played very well and it’s was the release of some built up tension. With 2-0 flattering the away side.

Today sees us take on bottom of the table Derby in what should be an enthralling encounter. With Chelsea beating United this weekend, a win would take us 4 points behind both with 2 games to go… it effectively means we’re still in the title race mathematically, but realistically I can’t see both teams losing both of their last two games, I think we just want to finish as close to the top as possible to demonstrate how we’ve grown as a team.

Arsene has promised to give Fabianski a run out in the last three games to see how he’d fair in the premiership and obviously he needs to know as Jens will be leaving this summer. Can Fabi step up to challenge Almunia?

Speaking on Fabi’s last game, the defeat to Sp*rs, Arsene said:

“It had a big effect on him. Lukasz is an intelligent and sensitive boy and sometimes these two qualities go against you. But he’s got over it. It’s a learning process of every top level player goes through. For me a career is always how well you deal with the lows in the game.”

It will be good to see him today.

With our recent bout of injuries and suspensions, the players out of contention are Diaby, Rosicky, Eduardo, Flamini, Sagna and Hleb.

I’d expect to see Eboue & Walcott on the wings, with Denilson and Cesc in the middle. Kolo may continue at right back as Arsene may opt to play Song again to give him some match practice. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bendtner & Van Persie line up, although maybe Ade will ask Arsene for more time to get his 30 this season… this is how I see the team lining up today:

FabianskiGoalkeeper

ToureRight Back

GallasCentre Back

SongCentre Back

ClichyLeft Back

EboueRight Wing

DenilsonDefensive Midfielder

FabregasAttacking Midfielder

WalcottLeft Wing

BendtnerStriker

Van PersieSupport Striker

With Almunia, Senderos, Djorou, Gilberto and Adebayor on the bench.

But the boss may have a few more ideas. Rumours suggest Traore, Eboue, Senderos and Song could be our back four, but I’d suggest Arsene wants to win as well as give the kids a run out, so we really will have to wait and see what Arsene has in store for us. Kick off is at 8pm on Setanta Sports…

Alright, I’ve been rambling on for a while now… I think I best get back to work… Come on you reds… more later!!!]]>

I've got a new addition to the family, my little nephew, who I've nicknamed DJ!

Today sees a trip to Derby, bottom of the league... early team news sees Fabianski get a run out... Arsene has said that he'll rest the Euro 2008 stars, so we'd expect to see Denilson start with Gilberto & Walcott and Eboue on the wings. Maybe Bendtner will start too...

My travel back has killed me, so I'll have a nap and be back shortly...]]>

His move to Arsenal from Marseille wasn’t without controversy and even though he’d verbally agreed, he renegaded on that agreement to sign for us. A famous quote soon followed by then manager Jose Anigo…

“This is a beautiful treason. He used me.”

For Flamini, this is a case of deja-vu, but this time Arsene and Arsenal are the used and abused. But can we complain? Are we, were we just as quilty as Flamini considering our previous exploits… or should we have seen this coming? Are we naive to let a player run to the end of his contract who is renowned for his disloyalty?

In a piece I did a couple of months ago, I highlighted the fact that Matty wanted £80,000 per week. Our offer from last year was £40k, double what he is earning now and a year retrospective payment. This payment would be a lump sum £1m figure. Matty wanted £80k, and his insistance eventually saw us increase our offer to £50k per week and £1.5m sign on fee. For a player that has only emerged this season, that’s a good offer. Some of us won’t even earn that in a year.

But Flamini won’t even review anything less than £60k and we won’t go above £50k. It’s a sorry state of affairs that it all comes down to money. Cashley Cole departed on similar terms.

Peter Hill wood has been vocal on this matter:

“We have made what we think is a pretty generous offer and we are waiting to hear whether he will accept or not. You just don’t know nowadays. You think players have a pretty good life, but, somehow, someone persuades them the grass might be greener somewhere else.

“So I don’t know the answer, all I know is we think we have pushed the boat out.”

As recently discussed, Juventus have offered Matty Flamini a contract believed to be in the region of £60k a week in addition to a £3.5m sign on fee. We won’t match this and it looks like Matty will be off. We have a wage stucture to adhere to and we can’t be held by ransom.

Yesterday Juventus confirmed that the deal was almost complete after his agent agreed terms “in principle”.

“We have the advantage (over Milan). As a child Flamini was a supporter of Juve.

“We also have a sporting project in place and we will be in the Champions League. Milan will not.”

A real shame considering what we have done as an Arsenal family this season, a real shame.

Delgado is a serious transfer target…

As discussed in March this year, it has come to my attention that Matias Delgado has been watched by all of our scouts recently. Not only that, Arsene & Edelman have supposedly contacted Besiktas with a view to agreeing a deal.

Fans of Besiktas are sad at his potential transfer, with many fans proclaiming he is one of the best in the Turkish league.

“Hello i am from Rio de Jenairo, Brasil. I am a keen admirer of Matias Delgado.I have been monitorizing him until F.C. Basel. I am very interested with his football mental, who is very talented and expert in dead ball situations. He is very best in footbal. Arsenal wiil make the right decision with his arrival.”

Some fans have questioned his physical stature and but also claimed he’s better than Aimar and has the potential to be as good as Ronaldo.

“Delgado has a different way to play game.He is one of the players you really enjoy watching them when they play… Will be very worth it but i will be sad for besiktas i want to see him play many many years for my hometown team.very high technique…”

And they think he will be able to contribute with skill and goals.

“My superior team is Besiktas and ı always watch BJK’s matches.Delgago is 24 and he is better than pablo aimar,his technical skills give him a goog reason for scoring and assists. The only disadvantages of Delgado is he is a little weak. If he works in training than there is no problem for delgado to play in premier league. In conclusion he is very good player as an attacking midfielder I think if he comes arsenal he will score at least 15 goals.”

I’m currently researching more into this link but from what I’ve heard, this is becoming a much stronger link.

Gilberto may stay…

Talking about South Americans, there is a small chance that Gilberto will stay for another year. With Flamini having supposedly been offered a contract by Juventus, it may be a wise move for both Arsenal and Gilberto.

“I will always do my best as a professional but then, at the end of the season, I will see when I speak to Arsene. Of course, I’m upset that I’ve not played much this season because last year I played the whole season and this year has been really frustrating. But you need to be professional, respect the manager’s point of view and help the other players to the maximum that I possibly can.”

Some newspapers, The Guadian amongst them, are claiming the 20 year Michael Johnson may come in when Flamini eventually departs.

George Graham talks…

Ex Gooner manager George Graham loves airing his views and he thinks Arsene has to spend and spend big. He claims we had been overacheiving and the size of our squad came back to haunt us. He cites injuries to key personnel as a reason, but also goes on to say that these players are injury prone and we should plan to without them next season and if they’re fit, it’s only a bonus to the squad. Very easy to judge from the outside, but could anyone predict Eduardo, VP, Rosicky, Diaby and Denilson would all be injured at the same time?

“Arsene has got to sit down and be honest with himself, which I am sure he is,” said Graham. “After three-quarters of the season, they were five points clear, absolutely over-achieving, and then in the run-in, they are stumbling all the time.

“He must look back and ask: ‘Did the players get tired? Why did they get tired? Did he have a strong enough squad? Were they too inexperienced to get over the white line and win the trophy?’

“He needs, in my opinion, three or even four ready-made players, which will cost a lot of money – and that may be a problem because I don’t know if Arsenal have got a big budget to get new players in next season.

“Certain players at Arsenal keep on getting injured, and you know next season, the same players will probably be on the treatment table a lot.”

He continues to talk about our transfer targets and give a bit of praise to Ade.

“They need a world-class goalkeeper, they need a centre-half, they need more mental and physical strength in the middle of the pitch.

“Unfortunately, their strikers seem to be picking up a lot of injuries, so they need somebody to play alongside (Emmanuel) Adebayor, who I think could develop into a world-class player.”

I think we should always take Graham’s comments lightly as he does go on a bit randomly when I see him on SKY, always laying into Arsene, but his recent comments are very similar to what our fans have been thinking this close season…

Arsene praises young Theo…

Well, it’s been coming and young Theo looks to have added an element of consistency to his game in the last few months. His appearances against Birmingham, Milan and especially the assist at Liverpool have caught everyone’s eye. His performance on Saturday was also electrifying, and I’m sure all Arsenal fans are really excited to see him next season…

Arsene spoke about the 19-year old’s performance:

“It was his most complete game. One where he looked most ‘the man’, the most mature. At the start of the season, when Theo was on from the beginning, you did not see a lot from him. There were only glimpses when you could say ‘there is something there’ and you wondered when he would come out. Now he is starting to show that. Theo is not a monster, but he has great body power. When he starts on the first five yards, it is like you throw him away. You do not see him, he is gone. That is more important than just more power. But the way we play, we can take advantage of his qualities. “

Arsene also talks about his physical side and something that all our squad will benefit from next season. Cesc is a player who seems to be beyond belief. His energy was amazing on Saturday and he, like Theo, will be a more physical player next season as he continues his personal body growth (that sounds weird, but you know what I mean!)… Arsene continued…

“Before he was always a bit out of the physical contact side of the game, now he looks for it. I told him he had to be more aggressive and determined. He is that now. I feel next season began on Saturday for him. I don’t know yet if I will start with him for the rest of the season, but there is a good chance yes. It is down to him now, how much he wants it. But I hope he continues to produce this type of performance and on his account are 10 or 15 goals, because that is what you should aim for.”

With Carlos Vela joining, we’ll have some little superstars raiding the flanks next season… it’s already very exciting, and we’re still in April…

Arsene believes Hleb will stay…

Rumours have been rife recently that Alex Hleb may be on his way out of the club. Hleb has had a much better season this year, but we’re all aware of Hlebgate and his agent’s antics…. Arsene has commented on Hleb’s future and says he can win the trophies he wants at Arsenal…

“I believe Alex will stay but you cannot stop the rumours when players are in this type of situation. But I want Hleb to stay like everybody else. You can go to Real Madrid and Barcelona, but you have no more guarantees to win trophies. And from this season we should get the belief we can win trophies and come back to win the title.”

Reserves game sees Diaby injured

And finally, our reserves won a good game against Arsenal 2 – 0 West Ham… with Rui Fonte and Jack Wilshere getting the goals. Bad news for Diaby saw the frenchman suffer a hip injury which will see him out for the next 2 weeks – full match report here. And whilst you’re on Young Guns, there is an interesting piece on the future on our goalkeeping that highlights that Arsene sees Fabianski and Mannone as the #2 and #3 next season…

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